Kevin McCarthy Walks a Tightrope

Punchbowl News: “With President Joe Biden and Democrats unable to move their agenda due to Senate GOP opposition, the American public’s frustration with the continuing Covid pandemic and soaring inflation felt across the country, and House Republicans seemingly on the march toward the majority, why would McCarthy want the spotlight on internecine fighting over Trump? The way the GOP leadership sees this, Kinzinger will be gone from Congress after the election and Cheney will lose in November.”

“McCarthy has a tightrope to walk here. If he’s seen as protecting Cheney and Kinzinger, the California Republican risks damaging his relationship with the hard right – a relationship that was once rocky but is now largely under control. However, If he gives in to their demands, McCarthy puts the spotlight directly on his conference at a time when his best move is to keep a low profile.”